Lesson #2: Planning for School

The new school year is just around the corner. Whether you're heading off to college for the first time or entering your junior year of high school, it's a good idea to start planning now! By Michelle Toglia

What you'll need and how much of it will depend on your course load and teachers' requirements. But there are must-have items you'll want to have on hand before the year begins.

— Pens

— #2 pencils

— Notebooks

— Notepad

— Folders

— Binders

— Highlighters

— Post-its

— Index cards

— Pencil case

— Stapler

— Ruler

— Calculator

— Scissors

— Dictionary/thesaurus

On a Budget?

Remember, these items don't all need to be new! Before you go shopping for school supplies, look through your old supplies and see what's still in good condition. Go through old notebooks and see if there are any unused pages. If so, rip out the old notes, so the rest of the notebook has blank pages. You can also reuse folders and binders.

Don't worry about old doodles or those cheesy portraits of your old crush — jazz them up with pictures of friends or a collage of your favorite celebrities.

There's no need to spend money on penholders or desk organizers when you can make them yourself! Save aluminum soup cans after you use them. You can use them as is or decorate them — either way, you're saving the environment.

Packing List for College

So, you're going off to college. With the change of scenery, the new independence, and the responsibility headed your way, packing might be the last thing on your mind. Figuring what (and what not) to bring to school can save you a lot of stress when moving-in day comes closer. Bring this checklist with you before you gather your things or head to the store.

FOOD: A Girl's Gotta Eat!

— Snacks

— Water bottles

— Cups

— Dishes

— Utensils

— Mini refrigerator

— Coffeemaker*

— Microwave*

— Toaster*

— Tupperware

— Ziploc bags

— Paper towels

— Dish soap

— Dishrag

* Make sure your school allows these items.

BED: Be a Sleeping Beauty

— Sheets (your school will tell you what size; generally it's an extra-long twin)